NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, president of Westminster College, has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2027.
Richardson has served as Westminster’s 15th president since 2016.
“My confidence in Westminster’s future has never been stronger,” Richardson said. “Guided by its enduring values and inspired by the people who make this institution so special, Westminster will continue to transform lives, prepare principled leaders and serve as a force for good in this region and beyond.”
According to David Farner, Westminster board chairman, Richardson’s leadership has strengthened the Westminster community, positioning the college for continued success.
“She has led Westminster College with extraordinary compassion, a clear and steady vision and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” he said. “The board of trustees offers its deepest appreciation for her leadership and celebrates the lasting impact she has made.”
In her first year on campus, Richardson led a planning process that resulted in a four-goal strategic plan that has guided her presidency: recruit and retain students; revitalize the campus environment; renew engaging experiences; and replenish resources.
These four goals were adopted to achieve a vision of Westminster as a nationally recognized leader in providing a supportive and transformative educational experience for all students.
During her tenure, Westminster has completed more than $50 million in campus improvements, including the renovation and expansion of the Hoyt Science Center. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a Master of Business Administration program were added, as were the Westminster Entrepreneurship Center and the Student Success Center. The college also added three athletic fields, upgraded its athletic facilities and added four varsity sports. Westminster’s accreditation was reaffirmed under Richardson’s leadership, and the nursing program also gained accreditation.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Richardson for the special talents, unmatched passion and boundless energy that she brought to leading Westminster over the last decade,” said Deborah Platt Majoras, a long-time trustee and donor. “Kathy has a unique ability to include the entire college community – students and parents, faculty and staff, alumni, donors and trustees – in her leadership, and the results have been transformative. She has proven herself a true Titan, not only in higher education, but well beyond.”
Richardson has been a partner across the Pittsburgh region and commonwealth, serving on numerous boards, including the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. She was presented with the inaugural Civic Leader of the Year Impact Award from the Forward Lawrence Chamber and Economic Alliance in 2024.
Before coming to Westminster, Richardson was provost and professor of communication at Berry College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude at Shorter College and a Master of Arts and doctoral degree from the University of Georgia.
The college will launch a national search this fall for its 16th president.